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Tuesday 21 Jan 2025

Network Rail supports Samaritans in York to bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Network Rail joined forces with Samaritans at York and other stations on the East Coast Main Line yesterday to promote the charity’s annual ‘Brew Monday’ campaign.

Despite the third Monday in January being called ‘Blue Monday,’ Samaritans is challenging this myth, saying there’s no such thing as a ‘worst day’ as volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds – offering vital support all year round.

To ensure nobody struggles alone on Brew Monday – or any other day – the campaign reminds friends, family and colleagues to look out for one another and stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.

Yesterday (20 January), Network Rail colleagues joined Samaritans volunteers and LNER teams at York station on the East Coast Main Line, handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.

Volunteers have also been at other stations across the East Coast Main Line including Durham, Newcastle, Berwick, Ashington and more.

Between 2023 and 2024, there were 447 interventions across the Eastern region, supported by Network Rail, Samaritans, and British Transport Police – nearly half of which took place along the East Coast route.

Benjamin Voke, local operations manager for Network Rail and Samaritans volunteer, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign once again this year.

“This initiative is close to my heart, as it’s about fostering connection and reminding everyone that a simple conversation can make a world of difference.

“Together, we are tackling the Blue Monday myth head on, one brew at a time.”

Olivia Cayley, head of rail programme at Samaritans, said: “On Brew Monday we’re reminding the public that human connection can be life saving and we’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support this year.

“Our volunteers are busy all year round, answering a call for help every 10 seconds, so we know people can find things tough at any time and there’s no such thing as the ‘worst day of the year’. That’s why it’s vital that we all take the time to check in on each other every day.

"Whether it’s over a cup of tea, going for a walk or having a chat over the phone, the important thing is that you share how you’re feeling and really listen so anyone who might be struggling knows they don’t have to face their challenges alone.”

Brew Monday comes as Samaritans enters its 15th year working in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway.

In that period, over 30,000 railway employees and stakeholders have been trained in suicide prevention through the Samaritans’ ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ course, enabling them to support and identify those who come to the railway in emotional crisis.

For more information on Brew Monday, including tips on organising events and resources, please visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/